Can You Burn Eucalyptus Wood? | Ultimate Wood Fuel Expert Guide

Most wood fuel experts agree that birch logs, oak firewood, and ash logs are the tree species that make for the best wood-heating firewood logs. However, Lekto Woodfuels' customer support team periodically gets questions about other treewood species, such as cherry wood, pine and spruce, and—most interestingly—eucalyptus wood.

Eucalyptus wood is extracted from fast-growing trees, which are often referred to as gum trees. While these trees are not native to the UK, certain species of them have come to thrive in certain parts of our country, including such regions as Cornwall and the Essex coast. And as eucalyptus wood offers substantial heat output, many people think of it as a favorable choice for your wood-burning stove.

But is it?

In this guide, we'll examine every facet of burning eucalyptus wood—its thermal efficiency, price, safety concerns, and effects on your wood stove. We'll also answer the most commonly posed questions. Although the subject may appear simple, there are complexities that merit investigation.

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What Are the Benefits of Using Eucalyptus Firewood?

According to Lekto's wood fuel experts, these are the main advantages that eucalyptus logs have as firewood. Whenever you see someone heating using eucalyptus, you can be sure it's for one of these reasons.

Eucalyptus Has Exceptional High Heat Output

One of the most striking characteristics of eucalyptus wood is its astonishingly high heat output. According to well-respected statistics, eucalyptus logs can generate approximately 34,500,000 British thermal units (BTUs) per cord. This figure is significantly larger than what is produced by most other hardwoods, including oak, which yields around 24,000,000 BTUs. Because of this elevated capacity, eucalyptus firewood can prove to be quite effective in warming your home, and it does so over an extended duration.

On the surface, this might make it seem like heating with eucalyptus logs is a no-brainer. However, the reason for this high energy content is the high amount of oil contained in the wood itself.

Why is this bad? You'll find out soon.

Eucalyptus Wood Logs Can Seem Like a Sustainable Choice

Unlike slow-growing hardwoods like birch, ash, and oak sold by Lekto, eucalyptus trees can occasionally reach maturity in just a few years. This particular attribute can make them seem like a more sustainable choice, as re-growing an eucalyptus forest will take less time than re-growing an oak forest.

Likewise, as Great Britain is a heavily deforested country, re-growing our forests through eucalyptus might be a good idea as these forests can be grown quickly. All of our experts agree that using fast-growing trees—such as eucalyptus, pine, and birch—is the fastest way to re-grow British forests.

This, however, does not make eucalyptus firewood logs a good choice for your wood burner.

Disadvantages of Burning Kiln-Dried Eucalyptus Logs

So why don’t most people use eucalyptus for firewood? There are many reasons for this. Let's take a look at them.

Creosote Buildup

Eucalyptus contains a considerable amount of natural oil. When burned, this oil smokes, which can lead to a rapid build-up of creosote in your chimney. This means you'll have to have your chimney swept very often if you want to keep it in good repair. If left unattended, creosote buildup can permanently damage your stove.

These oils cannot be extracted to a sufficient level using conventional kiln-drying.

Eucalyptus Burns With Too Intense a Heat

Although the elevated heat output may seem like a notable benefit of eucalyptus, it is also one of its biggest disadvantages. The intense flames may lead to overheating, especially when used in smaller wood stoves or fireplaces.

Overheating your stove regularly can result in permanent damage. If you need a lot of heat but don't want to risk your stove, our experts recommend Lekto's hot-heating Hardwood Heat Logs. Unlike eucalyptus logs, these can be easily split by hand, which means you can control the exact amount of heat you'll get.

Eucalyptus Burns Too Quickly

Eucalyptus firewood burns very quickly. This means you'll have to constantly add more wood to your burner. It also means you'll go through bags of eucalyptus very quickly, so you'll need to buy more of it, and it'll take up more space in your wood store.

Is Burning Eucalyptus Wood Toxic When Burned?

It is widely known that eucalyptus leaves are toxic when consumed by virtually all living organisms (except koalas, which have evolved to feed on them). But does this mean that eucalyptus firewood is toxic to burn? Thankfully, the answer is no. Eucalyptus firewood is 100% safe to burn and has no inherent toxicity.

Does Eucalyptus Have a Strong Smell When Burned?

Yes, eucalyptus emits a strong aroma when burned, which may irritate those with respiratory sensitivities. As a result, it is important to maintain proper ventilation when burning eucalyptus logs.

Is Eucalyptus Bad for Chimneys?

When eucalyptus is perfectly seasoned, it shouldn't pose any greater risk to your chimney than other hardwood varieties. A long, thorough seasoning process can significantly reduce the oil content within the wood, lessening the likelihood of creosote accumulation. However, eucalyptus will still contain some oil, which means that regular chimney sweep visits are a must.

As a result, most people will choose conventional hardwood species instead of eucalyptus.

Does Eucalyptus Burn Well?

Yes, eucalyptus burns remarkably well when it is adequately seasoned. It generates a lot of heat and burns very quickly, which may lead to overheating. However, because of its high resin and oil content, it is susceptible to sparking and splitting when burned. Its oil content is also problematic as it will lead to fast creosote buildup in your flue.

Conclusion: Is Eucalyptus Good for Burning?

Eucalyptus wood is prized for its outstanding heat output and certain sustainability benefits. However, it is difficult to season properly, and even when seasoned to perfection, its high oil content will result in high creosote buildup. As a result, you will need to have your chimney swept more often.

Likewise, eucalyptus burns very quickly, which means you'll have to add new logs to your stove constantly, and you run out of it faster than you wood of more conventional wood fuels.

A Better Alternative: Quality Kiln-Dried Hardwood Logs

Hardwood ash, oak, and birch logs are the superior choice for safe, consistent, and efficient heating:

• Kiln-Dried Ash Logs. These ignite quickly, even when green, and offer low smoke production, perfect for indoor use.
• Kiln-Dried Oak Logs. These provide an unrivalled slow burn, producing steady heat that lasts for hours. This makes them ideal for long, cosy evenings by the fire.
• Kiln-Dried Birch Logs. These are known for their ease of lighting and bright flame, add both aesthetic appeal and reliable heat.